The “Voices Organizing Immigrant Communities for Educational Success” Club at Glendale Community College hosted a ColorRush event for students to make slime and vibrant tie-dye shirts. Students gathered in the Sierra Vista Plaza to work on their individual crafts and enjoy a variety of aguas frescas.

On October 9th, V.O.I.C.E.S. set their booth up with fresh white shirts, different colored dyes, and slime supplies. Club members in attendance helped guide students to the correct materials and served up refreshing drinks. GCC V.O.I.C.E.S., one of the longest active clubs on campus, puts together these events to build community and provide guidance for undocumented students. “(V.O.I.C.E.S.) evolved into incorporating allies … and students that are on refugee status,” Anthony Garcia, club co-advisor, said. 

The club, which has been active since 2005, started as a support group for undocumented students. The goal has always been to help them navigate their journey through higher education. As time goes on, the club has worked to become more equitable. They accomplish this through including other marginalized communities, such as international students who do not receive financial aid.

In today’s political climate, GCC prioritizes student safety and listens to any expressed concerns. The V.O.I.C.E.S. Club provides a safe space for students to connect with their community and access school resources. “When we organize events, we try not to promote it as an undocumented event,” Garcia said. “We try to be very mindful of the language.”

There are also direct benefits for active students in the club. “The students will fundraise for their own scholarships,” Garcia said. “At the end of the semester, they fill out an application and the club advisors and also some members of the club will go ahead and review the application.”

As for the concept of the event, free slime-making and tie-dye fun was a great way to take a break from the everyday academic demands. Yesenia Galleyos, the social media manager of the club also shared how the choice to incorporate aguas frescas was a way to expose students to Hispanic culture. These refreshing beverages, made with blended fruit, water, and sweetener allowed students to casually sip and socialize with one another. “We need to have fun sometimes,” she said. 

Toward the end of the event, students’ slimes were starting to come together and the tie-dye shirts began to reveal their finished designs. It’s clear to students that the GCC V.O.I.C.E.S. Club is a tight-knit community who welcomes everyone with open arms. What started as a safe and supportive space for undocumented students has now become a more opening club to all, while still emphasizing an important focus.